8 Days Morocco Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech

Book this tour

Tour Type

Tours from Fes

Duration

8 Days

Min People

One person

Min Age

1+

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Overview

Experience the heart and soul of Morocco on this 8-day adventure that takes you from the historic city of Fes to the vibrant streets of Marrakech. This journey unfolds like a living postcard, from cedar forests and mountain villages in the Middle Atlas, through the Sahara Desert’s golden dunes, and onward to kasbah-dotted valleys, ancient fortresses, and the breezy Atlantic coast. You’ll wander through centuries-old medinas, explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, share tea with Berber nomads, and ride camels across the endless dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Combining culture, discovery, and scenic beauty, this tour is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Morocco’s landscapes and traditions.

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Highlights

  • Airport pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech.
  • Private guided visit of Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
  • Scenic route through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests of Azrou.
  • Camel ride at sunset in the Sahara Desert.
  • Overnight in a luxury Berber desert camp beneath the stars.
  • Visit to the dramatic Todra Gorge and the lush Dades Valley.
  • Exploration of the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s cinematic masterpiece.
  • Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
  • Relaxing day excursion to Essaouira, Morocco’s charming coastal escape.

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Fes–Saïss Airport, where our team greets you and transfers you to your riad in the heart of the ancient medina. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely walk through Fes’s lively lanes, filled with craftsmen, colorful markets, and historic mosques. Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, is a city of endless fascination. Overnight stay in a traditional riad.

Day 2: Excursion to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, set off north toward the Rif Mountains to visit the charming town of Chefchaouen, often called the Blue Pearl of Morocco. Stroll through its maze of blue-painted streets, admire local handicrafts, and soak in the relaxed mountain atmosphere. For panoramic views, walk up to the Spanish Mosque, overlooking the entire blue city.
 Return to Fes in the evening for dinner and rest at your riad.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Depart Fes early for a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town known for its clean streets and European architecture. Continue to Azrou, where you’ll stroll through ancient cedar forests and may spot Barbary macaques.

After lunch in Midelt, the road leads through desert plateaus toward the Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis lined with thousands of date palms. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Switch from car to camel for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend the evening in a luxury desert camp, enjoying Moroccan cuisine, traditional drumming, and a starlit sky.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Wake before dawn to witness an unforgettable Sahara sunrise, then enjoy breakfast surrounded by golden dunes.

Begin your desert exploration by 4×4, visiting Lake Dayet Srij, home to migrating flamingos, and the village of Khamlia, where you’ll enjoy a live performance of Gnawa music. Continue to meet nomadic Berber families in their tents and discover fossil quarries and old mining sites. Later, relax at your desert lodge or choose to experience another camel ride at sunset. Overnight stay in Merzouga.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast, depart toward Rissani, once a major trading hub linking sub-Saharan Africa with Morocco.

Explore its lively souk before continuing to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops. The journey continues through palm-filled valleys toward the stunning Todra Gorge, where sheer rock walls rise dramatically on either side. After a scenic walk through the gorge, continue to the Dades Valley, known for its kasbahs, palm groves, and incredible rock formations. Dinner and overnight in a charming riad overlooking the valley.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Today’s drive is filled with natural and cultural highlights. Travel through the Dades Valley and the fragrant Rose Valley, known for rosewater distilleries and festivals in spring. Continue to Skoura Oasis, where ancient kasbahs rise between lush palm groves, then on to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa.

Visit Kasbah Taourirt before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous as a filming location for many Hollywood productions. After lunch, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Arrive in Marrakech by evening for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Day Trip to Essaouira

After breakfast, travel west to the laid-back coastal city of Essaouira. On the way, stop to see

goats climbing Argan trees and visit a cooperative producing Argan oil.

Explore Essaouira’s white-and-blue medina, its ramparts, art galleries, and lively harbor. Relax by the beach or savor a seafood lunch by the ocean before returning to Marrakech for the night.

Day 8: Departure from Marrakech

Enjoy a relaxed morning with free time to shop or explore Marrakech’s markets before your transfer to the airport.

Your 8-day Morocco journey ends with unforgettable impressions, from the calm of the desert and the charm of the mountains to the color and energy of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Booking

Tour Price Includes

  • Seamless and comfortable travel experience with fully organized services from start to finish.
  • Private vehicle 4×4 or minivan (depends on the size of the group)
  • Private Moroccan driver throughout the journey: professional, friendly, and fluent in multiple languages.
  • Handpicked accommodations with daily breakfast and dinner, tailored to the category you select.
  • Official local guides in Morocco’s most captivating cultural and historical cities.
  • Personalized airport transfers, including pick-up on arrival and drop-off at departure.
  • Camel trekking experience across the golden dunes of Merzouga (for desert itineraries).
  • Magical overnight stay in a desert camp, complete with traditional Berber music and entertainment under the stars (for desert tours).

Tour Price Excludes

  • Daily lunch meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Beverages and alcoholic drinks during the tour.
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, or optional activities not specified in the program.
  • International and domestic flights to and from Morocco.

Helpful Advices

  • Comfortable clothing in layers (light for daytime, warm for evenings).

  • Comfortable shoes for walking and sandals for camp.

  • Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a scarf to protect from sun and sand.

  • Flashlight or headlamp, power bank, and reusable water bottle.

  • Some cash in Moroccan dirhams for tips and small purchases.

  • Days can be hot and sunny, so light clothes and sun protection are essential.

  • Nights in the desert can get very cold — a warm jacket is recommended.

  • Be prepared for wind and occasional sandstorms; a scarf or bandana is handy.

  • Best photo moments are during sunrise and sunset when the light is magical.

  • Dress modestly and respect local traditions, especially in villages.

  • Always ask before taking photos of people.

  • Carry snacks and basic medication (motion sickness, headache, allergies).

  • Electricity in desert camps may be limited, so charge devices in advance.

  • Keep an open mind: travel times may vary, but the journey is part of the adventure.